Frank Dempsey

James Franklin Dempsey (May 27, 1925 – June 1, 2013) was an American college and professional football player who was a linebacker and lineman in the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL) for six seasons in the 1950s. Dempsey played college football for the University of Florida, and thereafter, he played professionally for the Chicago Bears of the NFL and the Hamilton Tiger-Cats and Ottawa Rough Riders of the CFL.

Early life

Dempsey was born in Dothan, Alabama in 1925. He attended Miami Senior High School in Miami, Florida, and he played high school football for the Miami Stingarees.

College career

Dempsey attended the University of Florida in Gainesville, Florida, where he played for coach Raymond Wolf's Florida Gators football team from 1946 to 1949. He was a standout lineman on offense and defense for the Gators at the lowest point in the history of their football program, ironically dubbed the "Golden Era" by the players. Dempsey graduated from the University of Florida with a bachelor's degree in physical education in 1950, and he was later inducted into the University of Florida Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 1971.

Dempsey was remembered for the pranks and activities of his teammates that revolved around his World War II-era surplus Jeep.

Professional career

The Chicago Bears selected Dempsey in the thirteenth round (166th pick overall) of the 1950 NFL draft, and he played in thirty-nine games for the Bears from to . He was a versatile player, and at different times, he played both offense and defense, including linebacker, guard and tackle. He was selected as a CFL East All-Star in the first CFL All-Star Game in 1955.